ATLANTA – Robin Ventura chugged around the bases for the first inside-the-park homer of his career and the Los Angeles Dodgers handed Russ Ortiz his first loss since June 13, beating the Atlanta Braves 8-4 Sunday.

Adrian Beltre hit a three-run homer as Los Angeles snapped a five-game losing streak. The Dodgers pushed their record back to .500 on an unusual day at Turner Field.

Los Angeles was at a clear disadvantage in the pitching matchup: Ortiz, who had won eight straight starts, vs. Scott Mullen, a journeyman left-hander called up from the minors to make his first major league start.

Astros 3, Marlins 1

MIAMI – Knuckleballer Jared Fernandez made a successful debut for the Houston Astros, combining with three relievers on a five-hitter to beat the Florida Marlins 3-1 Sunday.

Fernandez, recalled Friday from Triple-A New Orleans, allowed one run and three hits in 5 1-3 innings. Orlando Merced hit his second home run of the season for Houston.

Expos 4, Brewers 2

MONTREAL – Livan Hernandez pitched seven strong innings and four Expos hit RBI singles as Montreal extended its winning streak to four with a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.

Hernandez (11-7), who went the distance in a 2-1 loss to St. Louis on Tuesday, scattered five hits and allowed only Royce Clayton’s solo homer in the fourth.

Luis Ayala worked a scoreless eighth, and Rocky Biddle got three outs for his 27th save in 32 chances.

Mets 13, Cardinals 5

NEW YORK – Switch-hitter Tony Clark homered from both sides of the plate and drove in five runs to help Jeremy Griffiths earn his first major league victory as the New York Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 13-5 Sunday.

The Mets set a season high for runs and hits in ending a three-game losing streak. Clark, Jason Phillips and Cliff Floyd each had three of New York’s 19 hits.

Albert Pujols doubled in the eighth for the Cardinals, extending his hitting streak to a career-high 18 games. Bo Hart led off the game with his second homer in two days.

Padres 5, Phillies 2

PHILADELPHIA – Brian Buchanan hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning and Oliver Perez struck out 13, leading the San Diego Padres over the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 Sunday. Pat Burrell homered for the Phillies, who finished 5-2 on their homestand and lead the NL wild card race.

Cubs 2, Diamondbacks 1

CHICAGO – Sammy Sosa hit a two-run homer and Matt Clement pitched three-hit ball for eight innings as the Chicago Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 Sunday.

Sosa drove an 0-1 pitch into the left-center seats in the seventh inning off Oscar Villarreal, who had just replaced starter Brandon Webb.